Local Tastemaker Picks: Where to Go, What to Pack

With spring break on the horizon, we thought we’d poll some of our favorite local tastemakers and find out where they like to vacation and what books and travel items they deem essential. Whether you are getting ready to jet set or just want to be inspired for spring, we know you’ll enjoy these recommendations!

One of my favorite weekend vacation spots is Chicago. It’s a quick, direct flight on Southwest … my husband and I can be there in time for lunch. And eating is definitely one of the highlights of the trip! There are so many delicious options, from a shopping break bite at the chic and clubby RL inside the Ralph Lauren store on The Magnificent Mile, to an unforgettable meal-of-a-lifetime at Michelin 3-star Alinea in Lincoln Park.

My Uber App. While I prefer to walk as much as possible in big cities, as I feel this is the best way to truly experience the vibe, if traveling across town in Chicago, I always turn to Uber.

My travel boots. If traveling between October and April, as is usually the case, I am prepared for cooler weather. My waxed-leather Clark’s boots (the tall pair when snow is a possibility, otherwise the shorter moto style) are super comfortable, they coordinate with all of my daytime outfits, and they protect my feet and legs.

My Hammitt crossbody bag. Picked up at Gus Mayer a few years ago, I don’t leave home without it when traveling. An accessible pocket for my iPhone and a go-with-everything metallic color make it a perfect choice!

I love St. Barts. My dad lived there for years, so I’ve been going since my grown daughter was in grade school. For an avowed Francophile, spending time on a beautiful, (for the most part) unspoiled island in the French West Indies, where the best Parisian chefs go to retire/open their own restaurants, and everyone speaks French and the hotels have toile … it’s my idea of heaven!

What to read:

I will take whatever I’m reading at the time, which, lately has been the Ken Follett Century Trilogy (if I can find the paperback), and a reread of Blue Like Jazz, which actually could be just right in St. Barts.

What to pack:

My carry-on must-have these days is a nightgown. My checked luggage seems to miss a lot of connections when I fly. I guess since I fly so much, the odds increase, so I always pack my soft cotton white gown and know that no matter what, I’ll sleep in comfort. I do try to travel light to St.Bar,ts due to the small planes, but I always include my favorite fish-emblazoned Hermes pareo purchased my first time there.

My favorite place to vacation is Vail, CO, in the summers. My husband and I can fly-fish, hike and mountain bike with our two girls. The weather is so nice (not the heavy humidity like Birmingham in the summer), and the sky is so blue you just want to be outside all the time.

Carl and I went to Ocean Reef with another couple, and it was so relaxing … boating, fishing, snorkeling.

What to read:

I like to read lots of different types of books. I’m in a book club, and we are currently reading Empire of Sin, which is all about New Orleans, but I slipped in Crazy Rich Asians between serious reads, and it was great!

What to pack:

My Andover Trask tote bag (made in Atlanta) is a perfect travel companion, as well as a my Tkees from Marella and a caftan. Nothing quite beats a caftan from ETC.